Why was Levon Zurabyan going to cry and NA Speaker’s confession?
Yesterday, the NA special session discussed the bill presented by ARF on establishment of an Ad-hoc Committee to examine the reasons for privatization of Nairit Plant Closed Joint-Stock Company, loan obligations and failing to implement economic activities with required volume. In fact, during the discussion of the issue, the employees of the plant were holding a demonstration near the gates of the NA building. The keynote speaker, Artsvik Minasyan, expressed an opinion that various publications on the issue are talking about the fact that the plant is led to bankruptcy intentionally, which is a challenge against Armenia’s economy. “Who are they and what did they impact on the operation of this plant, is impossible to determine, since the criminal cases on this issue were rejected, and unveiled stories are left, the plant has accumulated debts, and 3,000 employees found themselves in the status of unemployed,” said Artsvik Minasyan.
The MP stated that the government is unable to answer a simple question of what is expected to Nairit, whether the plant will resume its operation. “No answer, we also see a fake attack of information associated with the plant supposedly some officials concerned about Nairit case make efforts for Nairit plant to resume its operation, whereas the very persons are to be blamed for the plant’s current situation.” According to the MP, the processes are leading to intentional bankruptcy, which means that there are no grounds for objective re-opening or saving the Plant. That is why he considers it very important to establish ad-hoc committee to resolve these issues.
The NA Economic Affairs Committee had already twice discussed the matter of establishing an ad hoc committee on Nairit issues.
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For the first time, a positive conclusion was made, including it in the agenda, as they have found out that the issue presents a public interest, especially since there are still problems. However, after the discussions on urgent involvement in the four-day agenda, the Committee released a negative conclusion on the grounds that the negotiation phase in underway, and upon its completions, we will do it. The Chairman of the Committee, Vardan Ayvazyan, found and still today, following the Q&A of MPs at the panel session, is more convinced that a political speculation is going on, since “robbery”, “waste” and similar terms are voiced. “What has happened is recorded. Let’s refer to the investigative agencies. Immediately, you assume a judicial function. The Committee must give a political assessment,” said he.
ARF MP Aghvan Vardanyan said that once a case was filed on Nairit, which was dismissed by “unknown” reasons, and asked whether that are ready to refer to law enforcements. Recall that a major scandal began earlier by ADLA leader Harutyun Arakelyan, presenting specific documentary evidence, and accusing the Prime Minister Migran Sargsyan for leading the plant to targeted bankruptcy. As a result, Harutyun Arakelyan emigrated from Armenia.
In general, Vardan Ayvazyan-ARF MPs debate that took place last week at the Committee session, continued yesterday, at the plenary session. Moreover, Artsvik Minasyan accused Vardan Ayvazyan for turning what happened in the session upside down and for presenting the opposite. Artsvik Minasyan noted that the very Vardan Ayvazyan presenting the Republican majority is involved in political speculations. In turn, Vardan Ayvazyan reminded the ARF about the past of the coalition, when they were sharing their opinions on all issues, and hinted on compensation received in exchange. “You would better take less monopoly sectors. And take a breath when speaking.”
“In fact, wherever we dig, we find a mid, well, later we see that during the previous discussion, David Harutyunyan accused the opposition in suspicion, and paranoia. He was talking so sincerely that I was almost to cry. I have the impression that I am dealing with angels and cherubs, … and this is said by a government, under which the Prime Minister was involved in offshore scandal, the outcome of which is not resolved over one year, a government, the activities of which, according to the World Bank, is indulged in great corruption deals… No, you are not power of cherubs, you are power of kerobs,” said ANC faction leader Levon Zurabyan, adding that an answer to be given to all of this.
ARF faction leader Armen Rustamyan was annoyed that they are coming to meet the Republican Party to work in the “gas committee”, but the Republican Party does not display an adequate posture with regard to this Committee. He believes that this issue is no less important. Even urged to give these opportunities to the ARF faction, which will present all the necessary evidences, which the majority of representatives were demanding. “Why are you hiding behind your finger,” asked the speaker, “Nairit was assessed 40 million dollars.” If Tigran Sargsyan grows roses there over a year, he will reimburse the amount,” said ANC secretary Aram Manukyan. “It is not roses, but tomatoes and cucumbers,” was heard from the hall. “Well, let half of it be tomatoes and cucumbers” – said Aram Manukyan, detailing Tigran Sargsyan’s this and other sins, quoting Serzh Sargsyan, “Do you slide Armenia’s belongings over others?” NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan did not like Aram Manukyan’s phrase “your president”, “there is no our and your president. There is one president, the President of the Republic of Armenia.”
“Dear majority, get lost. The political speculation will not stick to ARF,” said ARF MP Aghvan Vardanyan, noting that NA Speaker’s speech made just half an hour ago on “gas Committee” inspired hope in him, but now he is convinced that the political majority will display the opposite stance.
Former prime minister, ANC MP, Hrant Bagratyan, reversing Artashes Geghamyan, presented the history about shutting down and reopening of Nairit plant during the years of ANM in power, noting that the closure order was signed by Vazgen Manukyan, who is now working with the President.
“We see the Prime Minister’s one brother here, the other brother in China. Nairit’s equipment are going to China. The Prime Minister’s godson is becoming the Minister of Finances, finance minister’s wife is becoming a financial mediator. Put an end to this. What do you want? A Maidan? Vanadzor chemical plant was opened five times, four of whom by the Prime Minister. I do not believe in your investment plan. We do not only doubt, moreover, we do not trust you. The man ruins the way he wants. Justifying is your problem, I do not want to justify him,” said he. “2500 employees of the plant should organize a demonstration every month to receive their salaries of 100 thousand drams, whereas the Prime Minister’s brother-director should get a reward of 42 million drams. We were accused in political speculation. We say that the Prime Minister’s other brother is taking the entire estate of Nairit plant to China. Is that a political speculation? They have turned Nairit into scrap. What is a political speculation? There is one political problem: to conceal the crimes occurred,” said PAP faction Secretary, Naira Zohrabyan.
“I was against for the issue to be included in the four-day session,” said NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan in his special speech, reasoning that the opposition is not willing to work with political majority rather than labeling it. “We can set up several committees and undermine the activities of the National Assembly. I give a promise that I will create an opportunity to refer to this issue until autumn.” Hovik Abrahamyan also urged not to decry the Prime Minister from this podium every moment.
“If the government wanted to Nairit to bankrupt, the problem of bankruptcy existed three or four years ago, it would have done it then if the government wanted it to bankrupt, it would not keep people for so many years, it would be easier to give the salary for two months as the procedure says, and dismiss from work, rather than extending so many years,” stated the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Armen Movsisyan, in his speech. Continuing his speech, the Minister said that it was all done not for the fact that the greatest values of Nairit are the equipment, but for the fact that there is a vocational school here. Referring to the speeches of the MPs, the Minister noted that they were giving assessments. “The impression was that the Committee was providing its report, rather than questions raised, which the Committee should examine.” Armen Movsisyan said that a great program is to be implemented with “Rosnevft” company, therefore, “I think that it is not the right moment to establish a committee and try to prevent these activities. Finally, a company is found that has the opportunity to invest five hundred million dollars in Armenia,” said the Minister. His speech remained unfinished, he ran out of time.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
